A report from the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA, www.gsma.com) states that the mobile radio spectrum will deliver € 477 billion (about $367 billion) in business across the European Union (EU) by 2023, greater than all other applications of spectrums. Mobile use currently contributes € 269 (about $350 billion), but the number is expected to increase if more of the spectrum continues to be made available.

The increase will also occur thanks to the further adoption of smartphones and the expansion of 4G mobile networks, as well as the growth of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Other spectrum applications, including satellite communications (satcom) and civil aviation, are expected to see more modest growth.

With the report, the GSMA hopes to encourage the EU to resolve outstanding broadband issues, including the release of the 800-MHz spectrum band. They also hope to convince the EU to create a more coordinated approach to these issues by harmonizing spectrum licensing and renewals.